By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 25: The King has advised Sarawak to function as usual following Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s handing over of decision to dissolve Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) to His Majesty and Sarawak Governor Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister Office (CMO) today, the advice from His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa was that, due to the worrying Covid-19 situation in the nation, the Sarawak government should function as usual based on the powers bestowed to it under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders led by Abang Johari had a virtual audience with the King with regards to the expiry of the present DUN sitting that is due to expire on June 6, 2021 and 12th State Election that needed to be called following the dissolution of DUN.
“In line with the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (following the declaration of emergency order in Malaysia), the Chief Minister has handed over the decision to dissolve the Sarawak DUN on an appropriate date at the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong together with Head of State of Sarawak (Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud) upon consultation with the Attorney-General, Election Commission (EC), Ministry of Health, the police, and Malaysian Armed Forces,” said the statement.
Abang Johari, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman emphasised that according to the Sarawak Constitution, Sarawak DUN has to be dissolved on June 6, 2021 and a state election needed to be called.
However, following the declaration of emergency order on Jan 11 until Aug 1, 2021, the power to dissolve the Sarawak DUN has fallen under the jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Article 13 and Article 15 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 following consultation with Governor of Sarawak.
Present with Abang Johari at the virtual audience were presidents of component parties of GPS which include Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Also present were PBB deputy presidents Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. — DayakDaily
